The Transformation of Galai Village: A Peach Blossom Haven in Xizang

In the heart of Xizang lies Galai Village, famously known as the 'First Peach Blossom Village,' which has undergone a remarkable transformation over recent years. Thanks to improvements in transportation, tourism, environmental conservation, and living standards, this village serves as a shining example of modernization in one of the most remote regions of China.

A Letter of Progress from the President

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to the residents of Galai, expressing his joy over the positive changes in their lives. The villagers had reached out to Xi, sharing their success stories and their commitment to striving for an even better future. This correspondence resonates deeply, occurring four years after Xi's visit to Galai in 2021 during an inspection tour. At that time, he was struck by the village's pristine homes, the warm hospitality of its people, and the breathtaking scenery of the area.

Xi described this idyllic setting as a blessing handed down by their ancestors, reflecting the essence of a 'Peach Blossom Land,' a metaphor used in Chinese culture to represent a harmonious community that stems from a famous fable by poet Tao Yuanming in the 5th century. Every spring, Galai bursts into a riot of pink and white blossoms, attracting tourists both from within China and abroad, turning it into a thriving destination.

Two Routes to Transformation

The story of Galai’s transformation can be traced along two distinct 'routes.' The first is the 'Route of Heaven,' leading to snowy plateaus. Before the peaceful liberation of Xizang in 1951, the region was isolated without any roads suited for vehicles, let alone a railway system. Significant changes unfolded with the completion of the Qinghai-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet highways in 1954, followed by the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in 2006.

Since then, road lengths in Xizang almost doubled, reaching 124,900 km by the end of 2024, compared to 65,200 km in 2012. Meanwhile, the operational railway tracks surged to 1,359 km, an impressive feat considering there were only 701 km in 2012. The region also established 183 air routes connecting it with 78 domestic and international cities.

The second route is the 'Route of Prosperity,' focusing on economic development. Since the early 1990s, Xi has been deeply concerned about Xizang's development, beginning with collaborative efforts between Fujian and Nyingchi. This was part of a unique assistance mechanism that China initiated in 1994 to provide steady support to Xizang from more developed provinces.

During his tenure as Vice President in 2011, Xi participated in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Xizang’s peaceful liberation, urging locals to amplify tourism while protecting the area's environment. In Galai, tourism flourished alongside environmentally friendly industries like organic farming, reviving its image.

By 2024, the disposable income per capita soared past 40,000 yuan (approximately $5,579), reflecting the economic uplift that has enveloped the village.

A Reflection of Wider Progress

The progress observed in Galai mirrors the developmental achievements across Xizang over the past six decades, marked by the establishment of the Autonomous Region. Xizang has enjoyed sustained economic growth, with regional GDP reaching 276.5 billion yuan in 2024, a staggering increase of 155 times compared to 1965. The region has also boasted an average annual growth rate of 8.9% and is projected to surpass 300 billion yuan in GDP this year. Notably, the disposable income per capita for urban residents hit 55,444 yuan in 2024, an increase of 121 times since 1965, with an annual growth rate averaging 8.5%.

In his letter to Galai's villagers, Xi expressed hope that they would continue to protect the region's natural beauty, enhance the village's image as a tourist destination, and contribute to establishing a prosperous border area. His sentiment reflects a broader vision for Xizang, where improved living standards will harmonize with the preservation of its unique ethnic culture and ecology.

In conclusion, Galai Village’s journey from obscurity to becoming a vibrant testament to development showcases the potential of rural transformation through a thoughtful balance of modernization and cultural preservation.